Sickled+celled+anemia

=//**__ ﻿SICKLED CELL ANEMIA __ By Maria Cordero **//= =//** ﻿ **//= = //**What is it?**// = = = = //**Sickled cell amemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body produces c-shaped red blood cells. Because of their shape, those cells may stick to each other or onto the sides of the blood vessels. This could cause serious health disorders.**// = =//** ﻿ **//= =//** What causes this disease? **//= = = = **First of all, normally blood cells have a plump doughnut shape, but sickled cells are a c-shape. What causes it is by an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carry oxygen. Hemoglobin S distorts the shape of the red blood cells, especially when exposed to low oxygen levels. As a result of this the fragile sickle shaped cell, it delievers less oxygen to the body's tissues. Also, they clog more easily in small blood vessels. This disease is mostly common in people of African and Mediterranean decent. Also seen in people from South and Central America, the Carribean, and the Middle east. ** = = = = What are the symptoms and how can you cure this disease? = = = = The common syptoms include: = = - abdominal pains (attacks) - rapid heart beat = = - bone pain - ulcers = = - breath lessness - fever = = - fatigue = = = = First of all, this disease can't be cured. What you should do to help lessen the number of sickled cells to join a support group to relieve the stress. Sickled cell anemia can cause great stress to the patient that's why you should join a support group. Then, you get enough fluids, get enough oxygen, and should quickly treat infections. Also, you should get all your immunizations up to date. The point of treatment is to control and manage symptoms and to limit the frquency of crises. = = =

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